It seems gyms are popping up all over the country. Bodybuilding and lifting weights have never been more popular. And with this boom in popularity comes an increased demand for supplements such as protein powders and amino acids. But one such supplement – creatine – has been linked with increased hair loss. So is this a fact or a myth? Does creatine really cause hair loss?

What is creatine?

Creatine is a naturally occurring organic acid produced in the kidneys and liver from the amino acids arginine and glycine.

Its main function is to help supply energy to cells in the body – particularly muscle cells.

Creatine increases the formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – a small molecule that transports chemical energy within cells.

And this is why creatine supplementation is beneficial to bodybuilders, weight lifters, and other intense athletic activities. More creatine means more energy – allowing athletes to push out more reps, lift heavier weights, and train for longer periods of time.

Creatine and DHT

As you may already know, androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) is primarily caused by the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT binds to receptors in hair follicles which, over time, causes them to shrink and stop producing hair.

DHT is formed from testosterone – the male hormone – which is why androgenetic alopecia is more common among men than women.

“After 7 days of creatine loading, or a further 14 days of creatine maintenance dose, serum T levels did not change. However, levels of DHT increased by 56% after 7 days of creatine loading and remained 40% above baseline after 14 days maintenance (P < 0.001). The ratio of DHT:T also increased by 36% after 7 days creatine supplementation and remained elevated by 22% after the maintenance dose (P < 0.01). […] Creatine supplementation may, in part, act through an increased rate of conversion of T to DHT.”

This is not an insignificant amount, either. A 56% increase in DHT – particularly if maintained over a long period of time – will undoubtedly have a damaging effect on hair. This isn’t temporary hair loss, either – once follicles have shrunk past a certain point it can be very difficult to reawaken them.

That said, it’s still not 100% certain as to whether creatine really does affect DHT levels. This study, for example, observed elevated testosterone levels in subjects treated with creatine but “no other significant endocrine changes were noted.” It stands to reason, though, that more testosterone would mean more DHT – but it’s unclear whether this effect was tested for in this study.

On balance, though, the evidence does appear to suggest that creatine supplementation will increase DHT levels.

How to reduce hair loss when taking creatine

If you still want to take creatine but are worried about hair loss, there are plenty of treatments to counteract this negative side effect.

First off, dietary supplements.

Saw palmetto is perhaps the best known natural DHT blocker. Studies suggest this herbal extract reduces DHT levels by more than 30%. Another option – shown to improve hair hair count by around 40% in just 24 weeks – is pumpkin seed oil.

Secondly, as well as these natural hair loss treatments, there are also prescription drugs available to reduce DHT levels and stop hair loss.

Finasteride (often referred to by the brand name Propecia) is very effective at stopping testosterone from converting to DHT. Studies suggest it lowers levels of this hair loss-causing hormone by around 70%. This makes it one of the most effective hair loss treatments currently available.

Summary: creatine and hair loss

While the link between creatine and hair loss hasn’t been proven beyond doubt, there is strong evidence that this supplement can exacerbate androgenetic alopecia.

The 2009 study described above – though only a small sample size – is hard to ignore. A 56% increase in DHT is likely to have a seriously damaging effect on hair.

But elevated DHT levels will only accelerate hair lossif your hair follicles are genetically susceptible. In other words, creatine will only cause baldness if you were going to lose your hair anyway.

However, if you are destined to experience hair loss at some point – andaround 70% of men are – there’s no need to speed up this process. If you’ve noticed more scalp in the mirror lately, creatine supplementation may not be the best idea if you want to keep your hair.

That said, there are numerous treatments available that slow – and even stop – hair loss from progressing. And the sooner you act, the better – it is far easier to maintain your existing hair than to regrow it.

Ultimately, then, you need to weigh up the pros and cons of creatine supplementation. If you’ve still got your Norwood 1 hair line and density, you might be able to use creatine without losing any hair.

But if you’ve already started to experience a bit of thinning, you need to decide whether a bit of extra strength in the gym is worth the possibility of going bald sooner.

Research the hair loss industry chooses to ignore

Despite what pharmaceutical companies may say, there is more to hair loss than hormones. But since they can't make money from the truth, there's no point advertising it! Find out the complete picture and start recovering your hair today.